You may be ready to earn your own money, but every “Now Hiring” sign seems to ask for applicants who are at least 16. So, what jobs can you get when you’re 14? More options exist than you might think, including positions in retail, food service, offices, recreation programs and neighborhood services. The key is finding work that is safe, scheduled outside school hours and permitted by both federal and state law.
What jobs can you get when you’re 14?
At age 14, you can generally perform nonhazardous, nonmanufacturing work. Whether a particular employer will hire you depends on company policy, local demand and state requirements. Smaller businesses, community organizations and seasonal employers may offer more opportunities than large companies with a minimum hiring age of 16.
Retail and grocery store positions
Some supermarkets, neighborhood stores and other retailers hire 14-year-olds for entry-level duties such as:
- Bagging groceries
- Cashiering
- Marking or attaching prices
- Packing customer purchases
- Stocking permitted shelves
- Organizing displays
- Helping customers locate products
Federal rules restrict 14-year-olds from working in freezers, meat coolers and processing areas. You also cannot operate most power-driven equipment, such as meat slicers, compactors or balers.
Restaurant and food-service jobs
Restaurants, ice cream shops, cafés and concession stands may hire younger teens as hosts, cashiers, table bussers or dishwashers. You might also prepare cold foods, package takeout orders, dispense drinks or reheat certain prepared items.
Cooking duties are limited, and baking is generally prohibited for employees who are 14 or 15. You cannot use hazardous food-processing machines, and cleaning hot cooking equipment or handling hot grease may be restricted. Ask the employer to explain exactly which tasks you would perform before accepting the job.
Office, library and community roles
Clerical work can be a good choice if you are organized and comfortable using a computer. Potential duties include filing, scanning documents, answering phones, assembling mailings and entering basic information. Libraries, schools, nonprofit organizations, religious organizations and local government programs may offer part-time or seasonal opportunities.
Recreation departments and day camps may also hire 14-year-olds as junior assistants. Duties might include preparing craft supplies, checking in participants, keeping activity areas organized or helping adult staff lead games. Lifeguarding is not an option at 14 under federal rules; qualifying teens must generally be at least 15 and properly certified.
Tutoring and creative work
If you are strong in math, reading, music, coding or another subject, consider tutoring younger students. Creative and intellectual work—including acting, singing, playing an instrument and some computer-related tasks—may also be permitted. These roles can develop communication, planning and problem-solving skills that are useful in many careers.
Neighborhood and self-directed work
You do not always need a traditional employer. With a parent or guardian’s knowledge, you might offer services such as:
- Babysitting
- Dog walking or pet care
- Raking leaves and pulling weeds
- Hand washing cars
- Watering plants or collecting mail for neighbors
- Organizing garages or storage spaces
- Helping younger children with homework
- Creating simple artwork or handmade products
Yard work must not involve prohibited power-driven equipment. Avoid tasks involving ladders, roof work, construction, pesticides, heavy machinery or unsafe traffic conditions. Discuss pricing, transportation, emergency contacts and the scope of each job with a trusted adult.
How many hours can a 14-year-old work?
Under federal law, 14- and 15-year-olds may work only outside school hours. In most nonagricultural jobs, the federal limits are:
- Up to three hours on a school day, including Friday
- Up to 18 hours during a school week
- Up to eight hours on a nonschool day
- Up to 40 hours during a nonschool week
- Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during most of the year
- Until 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day
State laws can impose tighter limits, and the stricter rule applies when federal and state requirements differ. Review the federal rules for 14- and 15-year-old workers, then check with your state labor department or school before committing to a schedule. Farm work follows different regulations.
What jobs are off-limits at age 14?
Many restrictions exist because certain workplaces, tools and duties present greater risks. A 14-year-old generally cannot work in mining, manufacturing, construction, warehousing or most transportation occupations. Other commonly prohibited duties include:
- Operating most power-driven machinery
- Working from ladders or scaffolds
- Performing roofing, excavation or demolition work
- Driving a motor vehicle as part of the job
- Working in freezers or meat coolers
- Using power saws, slicers, grinders or compactors
- Participating in door-to-door sales or youth peddling
An employer should never ask you to “help just once” with a prohibited task. If a duty seems dangerous or differs from the original job description, stop and speak with a parent, supervisor or other trusted adult.
What do you need to get hired?
Federal law does not require a universal work permit, but many states require working papers, proof of age, parental consent or school approval. An employer may also request identification and payroll information. Because procedures vary, ask your school office or state labor department what applies where you live.
Create a simple one-page résumé listing your education, activities, volunteer experience, skills and reliable references. Coaches, teachers and volunteer coordinators may serve as references if they agree. You can also read this guide to employers and places where teens may work at 14 for more ideas.
How a first job can shape your career path
Your first job does not need to match your future profession. A grocery position can build customer-service skills for a career in sales or business. Tutoring may lead toward education, counseling or childcare. Office work can introduce you to administration, technology and finance, while camp or recreation work may support careers in coaching, event planning or public service.
Focus on transferable skills: arriving on time, following instructions, communicating respectfully, handling money carefully and asking questions when something is unclear. Keep a record of your responsibilities and accomplishments so you can add them to future applications.
At 14, the best job is one that is legal, safe and manageable alongside school. Start with businesses and people you know, verify the rules with an adult and apply to several suitable opportunities. Even a few hours of responsible work each week can help you gain confidence, references and a clearer idea of what you may want to do next.
